Makemechic is an ethical women’s clothing brand seeking to revolutionize the fashion industry through its commitment to sustainable production practices and fair labor standards. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Michelle Park, the Los Angeles-based company produces stylish, affordable clothing while promoting social and environmental responsibility.
By boldly bringing ethics into fast fashion, Makemechic represents the future of socially conscious apparel manufacturing. The brand’s slogan “Look Good, Do Good” encapsulates its multifaceted mission spanning style, sustainability, and corporate accountability.
Ethical Manufacturing That Empowers Workers
Makemechic aims to protect the human rights of workers creating its clothing. The brand assess all its factories against strict criteria before approving them as suppliers. Makemechic produces most garments locally in Los Angeles to have greater oversight over conditions. For overseas production, it works with carefully selected partners like its long-time Vietnamese supplier Papaya.
Independent audits verify worker treatment and safety at all factories. Makemechic requires living wages, reasonable hours, and fair benefits. It supports women’s empowerment initiatives at its Vietnamese facilities. The brand even negotiates above-average wages for specialized artisans crafting embellished handiwork.
During COVID-19, Makemechic paid suppliers for four months of pending orders despite shutdowns. This provided vital support to workers facing uncertainties. Makemechic joined advocacy campaigns calling for brands to #PayUp rather than cancel orders and jeopardize wages.
As a social enterprise, Makemechic reinvests 20% of profits into targeted programs uplifting disadvantaged women. Initiatives provide vocational training, life skills coaching, microloans, healthcare access, and more based on each community’s needs.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Production
In addition to ethical labor practices, Makemechic utilizes recycled and natural fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and Tencel. The brand offsets its carbon emissions and prioritizes eco-friendly dyes. Makemechic aims for zero waste in pattern making and fulfillment.
The company analyzes its supply chain for risks of environmental pollution or resource overuse. Makemechic partners with Bluesign-approved factories that meet stringent standards for water usage, energy sources, and chemical processing. The clothing is certified free from harmful substances by Oeko-Tex.
Makemechic ships purchases in recycled packaging and offers a recycling program for used garments. Customers receive credits towards future purchases for sending back gently worn items. This closes the loop on clothing lifecycles rather than producing more virgin materials.
Fashion-Forward Designs for Real Women
Makemechic clothes balance elegance and playfulness in on-trend silhouettes designed for diverse figures. Creative Director Erin Park, Michelle’s sister, leads design. She travels the world gathering inspiration from architecture, nature, art, and street style.
The collections feature dresses, jumpsuits, separates, outerwear, intimates, swimwear, and accessories. Options suit work, weekends, travel, and nights out with details like exaggerated sleeves, ruffles, puffed shoulders, vibrant patterns, lace accents, and peplums.
Makemechic engineers patterns specifically for curves. Styles come in sizes up to 4X and incorporate adjustments for larger busts, fuller waists and hips, and shorter torsos. Customer feedback helps refine the fits. Models showcase the versatility of each piece across body types.
Direct-to-Consumer Approach Facilitates Transparency
As a direct-to-consumer brand, Makemechic communicates openly with customers through its website and social channels. Shopping directly lets the company explain sourcing, showcase ethical factories, and provide styling advice. Makemechic responds personally to questions and feedback.
This online business model also enables fair pricing. By eliminating retailer markups, Makemechic sells quality clothing at under $100 per piece. The brand reinvests revenues into improving sustainability and community programs versus excessive profits.
Makemechic provides complete supply chain transparency through its \“Know Your Clothes\” initiative. Customers can trace an item’s manufacturing journey through videos, photos, and details about the materials, factory, and artisans involved.
The team frequently visits production sites to develop relationships and ensure standards are upheld. Michelle Park says these trips reinforce why ethics matter: “The people who make our clothes deserve good working conditions and living wages just like we do.”
By intertwining social responsibility with style and sustainability, Makemechic represents a promising path for the future of fashion. The brand makes conscious consumption attainable through on-trend pieces produced in a socially and environmentally progressive manner. Makemechic believes the industry can elevate communities, not just dress them.